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Washington, D.C. Tour: Penn Quarter

This neighborhood’s action is nonstop for visitors of all ages and interests, with museums, restaurants, bars, and even

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Rating: 5 out of 5 by EveryTrail members

Difficulty: Unknown

Length: 1 miles

Duration: Unknown

Overview :
Penn Quarter thrums with activity, the happy result of decades-long revitalization efforts. The high-energy, mixed-use neighborhood... more » keeps its lights on much later and longer than other downtown areas. Indeed, with so many attractions, extended hours are imperative. Visitors need to start early to fit in all of the museums (art, spies, criminals, Lincoln), restaurants (chains and boutiques), shops (brand names and indie), bars (frat-boy and date-appropriate), theaters (cinematic and theatrical) and sporting events (Wizards, Capitals, Georgetown Hoyas or WNBA Mystics, depending on the season). The quarter spills over into Chinatown, good for a nightcap of dim sum, and is steps from the Mall. less «

Points of Interest

At this good vs. evil museum, the law usually wins, but the villains certainly put up a plucky fight. Co-founded by John Walsh of the TV show America’s Most Wanted, the four-year-old repository delves into the dark side with artifacts from the criminal world and the penal system, such as Ted Bundy’s getaway VW Bug and an electric chair from a... More Tennessee state prison. For a deeper peek, go behind the scenes with such interactive experiences as a CSI lab and the TV show’s real studio.

Address:
575 Seventh St. NW
Washington, D.C., 20004
United States

Phone:
(202) 393-1099Less

2. Hotel Monaco, DC

Construction on this property was completed in 1866 by Robert Mills, architect of the Washington Monument; before it was a hotel, it originally opened as the city’s first General Post Office. Since then, it has been deemed a National Historic Landmark, and was renovated by the Kimpton group in 2002. The marble four-story structure, located in Penn... More Square, contains 183 guestrooms, of which 14 are suites. This boutique property is pet-friendly, with complimentary Evian for dogs, water bowls, and maps of optimal local dog walks; or for those who left their pet at home, “guppy service” is offered, a goldfish brought to the room upon request.

Drinking isn’t the only sport at this vintage motorcycle-themed watering hole. The downstairs bar resembles a retro-rec room with shuffleboard tables, Skee-Ball, pinball and Stacker, which can earn the winner an Angry Birds charm necklace, the rare nod to the 21st century.

Address:
507 Seventh St. NW
Washington, D.C., 20004
United States

Phone:... More
(202) 347-7665Less

5. Ford’s Theatre

Visitors to Ford’s Theatre immerse themselves in the life and death of Abraham Lincoln. Tours encompass the theatre, site of the assassination; the Petersen House, where the president died; the Center for Education and Leadership, which covers his legacy; and the newly renovated museum. Extra perks include a National Park Service ranger talk and a... More half-hour performance by actors in period costumes.

The Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery traces the history of America through visual and performing arts that pay tribute to great American icons like Marilyn Monroe and Rosa Parks. The gallery is housed alongside the Smithsonian American Art Museum in the historic 1836 U.S. Patent Office building. Permanent exhibitions include ... MoreAmerican Origins, 1600-1900, which focuses on Native Americans and early exploration, and Bravo!, which highlights the contributions of notable Americans to film and music. The America’s Presidents exhibit is, aside from the White House, the only complete collection of presidential portraits in the United States.

The gelato and sorbet parlor touts all-natural, high-end ingredients and a broad selection of classic and fancy flavors, such as cardamom, black tea, banana, or white grapefruit. Mixing is allowed and encouraged.

Chef Vikram Sunderam, a Bombay native, came to The District after working in one of London’s most acclaimed Indian restaurants, Bombay Brasserie. At Rasika, Sunderam brings his own modern take on traditional Indian cuisine. The menu has such dishes as tandoori lamb chops, chicken biryani, and chicken green masala. The restaurant, which takes its... More name from the Sanskirt word meaning flavors, is divided into several distinct dining areas, including the showcase kitchen, a community dining table, and the main dining room. Original paintings by Arunabha Karmakar and sculptures by Vineet Kacker accent the space.

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